Netflix is adding 21 feature films from Studio Ghibli, one of Japan’s most famous animation studios. The list includes My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke, among many others.
This deal was made by Netflix to grow its animated library with these new additions beginning February 1st. These subtitled and dubbed films will be released in 28 languages for the first time.
The plot: Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle is a Hayao Miyazaki animated feature film about a young hat-maker named Sophie. After an encounter with Howl, Sophie attracts the attention of a wicked witch who curses her, turning her into a 90-year-old woman.
To break the curse, Sophie leaves home to look for Howl, a young wizard who lives in a moving castle. Here she makes a deal with an also cursed fire demon to break both their curses.
In the meantime, Howl is pretending to be a rogue wizard doing his best to stop both opponents in a raging war. But the spells he is using are slowly making him lose his humanity.
Howl’s Moving Castle is based on an adult fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones. The film is an advocate for pacifism, ecology, compassion and the beauty that can be found within old age.
FAQs:
What is Howl’s Curse?
Howl makes a bargain with the fire demon Calcifer. Howl is left heartless both physically and emotionally, and Calcifer remains bound to serving Howl, doing chores around the castle.
Why does Sophie’s hair remain grey at the end?
Miyasaki probably intended her hair to stay grey to symbolise the wisdom Sophie has acquired during her adventure.
Conclusion
This beautifully animated and moving film is a wonderful way to spend an evening with the whole family. Howl’s Moving Castle is easy to stream on Netflix. Just type the title in the Netflix search bar and enjoy an entertaining view.
